As we move through April, I think investors are in an attractive position.

Markets have pulled back, potentially creating opportunities to pick up shares in quality companies at a discount to what people were willing to pay only recently.

Here are three popular ASX shares that I’d buy this month.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

When I look at BHP, I see a company that is closely tied to some of the biggest long-term trends in the global economy.

Copper demand is one of the clearest examples. Electrification, renewable energy, and infrastructure all require large amounts of copper, and I think that demand could remain strong for many years.

BHP also offers exposure to iron ore, which continues to underpin its earnings today, as well as longer-term projects like potash that could diversify future growth.

What makes BHP appealing to me right now is the balance. It is not just a growth story. It is also an income-generating business that can return capital to shareholders through the cycle.

In a market where uncertainty is rising again, I think that combination of income and long-term exposure to global demand is hard to ignore.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Commonwealth Bank is often described as expensive. And I think that is fair.

But I also think there is a reason it continues to trade at a premium. CBA has consistently delivered strong returns, supported by its scale, brand strength, and leading position in the Australian banking system.

Even in a higher interest rate environment, it has shown an ability to maintain margins and generate reliable earnings.

For me, this is less about finding a bargain and more about owning quality. If I were building or adding to a long-term portfolio in April, I would still consider CBA shares because of its consistency and resilience.

It may not be the fastest grower, but it is one of the most dependable.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. This is not a mature, steady business. It is a company operating in a rapidly evolving industry with significant potential.

What stands out to me is how quickly the business has scaled. In FY25, the company delivered around $260 million in revenue, roughly four times higher than the previous year, while also achieving profitability.

At the same time, its sales pipeline has grown to around $2.3 billion across nearly 300 deals, which suggests a large opportunity set ahead.

I also find the broader industry backdrop compelling. Counter-drone technology is still in its early stages, with adoption across both military and civilian markets expected to expand over time. The company itself points to a very large addressable market and increasing global demand for these solutions.

Of course, this kind of growth story comes with more risk.

But I think that is part of the appeal. In a diversified portfolio, DroneShield shares could provide exposure to a theme that is very different from traditional sectors.

Foolish takeaway

I think combining these types of ASX shares in a portfolio can make a lot of sense for long-term investors.

BHP offers exposure to global growth and commodities, CBA provides stability and income, and DroneShield brings higher-risk, higher-potential growth tied to a rapidly evolving industry.

The post Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• BHP shares just dropped — is this your chance to buy the dip?
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares 
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I had to pick one ASX dividend stock to hold through thick and thin, it would be Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

This isn’t a flashy growth stock. It’s not chasing hype. But when it comes to reliability, few businesses on the ASX come close.

So what makes this ASX dividend stock so dependable?

Major toll road operator

Start with its core business. Transurban owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America, including some of the busiest urban motorways. These are essential assets. People rely on them every day to get to work, move goods, and keep cities running.

That creates incredibly stable and predictable cash flow.

Even better, many of its toll roads have long-term concession agreements and pricing linked to inflation. That means revenue can grow steadily over time, even in uncertain economic conditions.

It’s the kind of business designed to endure.

And that’s exactly what income investors want from an ASX dividend stock.

Sustainable, growing payouts

The $43 billion ASX dividend stock has built a strong track record of paying consistent distributions. While yields can vary, the focus is on sustainable, growing payouts backed by real assets and recurring revenue. In other words, it’s not just about dividend yield, it’s about reliability.

Transurban pays two dividends per year. In February, the toll road operator paid an interim dividend of 34 cents per share, unfranked.

For FY26, the company has forecast a distribution of 69 cents per security, which implies a forward dividend yield of 4.9%. 

But this isn’t just a defensive play. There’s also a clear growth path.

Transurban continues to invest in major infrastructure projects, expanding its network and increasing capacity on existing roads. As cities grow and congestion rises, demand for its assets typically increases as well.

That creates a long runway for future earnings growth.

High debts, regulatory risk

Now, let’s talk risks. Like any infrastructure business, Transurban carries significant debt. That’s part of the model, but it also means the company is sensitive to interest rate movements.

Higher rates can increase financing costs and put pressure on returns.

There’s also regulatory risk. Toll pricing and concession agreements depend on government relationships, and any changes could impact profitability.

And while traffic volumes are generally resilient, they can still dip during economic slowdowns or unexpected events.

Even so, the long-term picture for the ASX dividend stock remains compelling.

This is a business built on essential infrastructure, backed by inflation-linked revenue, and supported by population growth and urbanisation trends. It doesn’t need perfect conditions to perform.

The post An ASX dividend stock I’d hold no matter what appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March?
• 2 defensive ASX dividend stocks for reliable income
• 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years
• 3 blue-chip ASX dividend shares to buy and hold
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There is always something to worry about in markets.

Right now, it might be inflation, interest rates, geopolitical tensions, or the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on different industries.

All of those are valid concerns.

But when I look at how investors are reacting, I think the biggest mistake in 2026 is not any single decision.

It is stepping back from investing altogether.

Letting uncertainty stop you

Periods like this tend to create hesitation. Share prices move around more, headlines become more negative, and it can feel like the safer option is to wait for things to settle down.

The problem is that markets rarely give you that moment of clarity. There is almost always another reason to wait.

And while you are waiting, time passes. For long-term investors, time is one of the most important assets you have.

Volatility is part of the process

I think it is easy to forget that volatility is normal. Markets do not move in straight lines. Some years are strong, others are flat or negative.

We have seen that recently, with parts of the market pulling back even as others have held up better.

That does not mean the long-term opportunity has disappeared. If anything, it often means valuations in certain areas are becoming more reasonable.

ASX shares like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have seen significant share price declines at different points, even while continuing to invest in their businesses and position for future growth.

That is not unusual.

Trying to time the perfect entry

Another mistake I see is trying to get the timing exactly right.

Waiting for the bottom. Waiting for the next piece of good news. Waiting for markets to feel more comfortable again.

In reality, those moments are only obvious in hindsight.

I think a more practical approach is to invest progressively over time. That way, you are not relying on a single decision. You are building exposure gradually.

Forgetting what you own

When markets are volatile, it is easy to focus on share prices rather than the businesses behind them.

But in my view, that is the wrong focus.

If you own high-quality companies with strong balance sheets, competitive advantages, and long-term growth potential, short-term price movements matter less.

Businesses like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), or TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) are not defined by a single year’s performance.

They are built to grow over many years.

A different way to think about ASX investing

Instead of asking whether now is the perfect time to invest in the ASX, I think a better question is:

Am I investing in businesses I would be comfortable holding for the long term?

That shift in mindset changes everything.

It moves the focus away from short-term uncertainty and toward long-term opportunity.

Foolish takeaway

The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026 is letting uncertainty stop them from investing.

Markets will always have risks. But over time, it is participation, consistency, and patience that tend to drive results.

For me, the priority is not waiting for the perfect moment. It is making sure I stay in the market, invested in quality businesses, and focused on the long term.

The post The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 35% in 2026, are Xero shares the bargain buy of April?
• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• Are these ASX blue chips now too cheap to ignore?
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Are ‘50% off’ CSL shares a once-in-a-decade opportunity?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, ResMed, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

During periods of volatility, investors often turn to ASX defensive ASX shares. 

Defensive shares are typically in established, mature companies that tend to maintain consistent profits and dividends regardless of the broader economic climate. 

These companies usually operate in non-discretionary sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities. 

These companies provide essential goods and services that everyday consumers need, regardless of economic conditions. 

Defensive companies often return a significant portion of their profits to shareholders via dividends.

The ASX 200 dropped nearly 8% in the month of March, as investor sentiment dipped as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Let’s see if these defensive shares lived up to their name. 

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

As Australia’s two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths shares are often categorised as defensive options. 

The ACCC estimates these two companies account for a combined 67% of supermarket grocery sales nationally. 

Despite high inflation and interest rate rises, Aussies still rely on these companies for groceries and essential household items. 

During the month of March, Coles shares lived up to their reputation as a defensive stock, rising roughly 3%. 

If you include the start of April, Coles shares are up 6% since March 2. 

Meanwhile, Woolworths shares stayed relatively flat during the March, rising just under 1%. 

Both fared significantly better compared to the 8% fall for the ASX 200. 

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is Australia’s largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services.

It is considered a defensive stock thanks to its market share and because its business is built around essential, recurring mobile and internet services that people keep paying for even during economic downturns.

It also has a strong dividend payment history. 

During March, it certainly provided relief for investors, as it rose almost 2%. 

Despite being up more than 11% so far in 2026, it is still generating positive outlooks from brokers. 

Macquarie recently retained their outperform rating on this telco giant’s shares with an improved price target of $5.64.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll-road operators, managing and developing urban toll-road networks in Australia and North America. 

The company develops, operates, maintains and finances toll-road networks. 

It is widely seen as a defensive ASX stock because it owns and operates toll roads that generate stable, long-term, and relatively predictable cash flows. 

Despite this reputation, it did fall more than 3% during the month of March. 

However, this was significantly better than the broader ASX 200 index. 

The post How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• An ASX dividend stock I’d hold no matter what
• Woolworths’ $37 share price is near an all-time high, so why am I going to buy some as soon as possible?
• 2 defensive ASX dividend stocks for reliable income
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I reckon everyone who’s investing in ASX shares would love to be a millionaire, if they’re not already.

Of course, a $1 million portfolio doesn’t just appear out of nowhere.

Anyone with a bit of flexibility with their budget, which may be a bit rarer during this period, may be able to regularly put some money aside into investing.

Australians need to be patient when it comes to wealth-building. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all.

But, having said that, people that can invest should be able to reach $1 million thanks to the power of compounding. The power of compounding helps a number grow into a much larger figure over time – our portfolio can grow itself.

It’s like planting a small sapling and it growing into a fruit tree that can start producing its own fruit.

How long would it take for our financial tree to turn into $1 million? That’s what I’m about to show.

The power of compounding to $1 million

Each Australian household will need to figure out how much they are able to invest into ASX shares. So, I’ll show how it could look for a variety of regular investment sizes.

For starters, the local share market has returned an average of around 10% per year over the ultra-long-term. We can invest in the ASX share market quite easily through the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

We’d need a crystal ball to know what the future returns will be, but I think using a 10% return is a simple number to use in the following calculations.

If a household can invest $500 per month and it returns 10% per year, that would grow to $1 million in less than 31 years.

Investing $1,000 per month would turn into $1 million in less than 24 years.

Being able to invest $2,000 per month would allow the portfolio value to become $1 million in less than 18 years.

For me, one of the most appealing things about these scenarios is how little an investor needs to invest to become a millionaire.

For example, in the scenario where someone is investing $500 per month for 31 years, that household has only invested $186,000 of their own money and the rest has been created from investment compounding.

Someone who has invested $1,000 per month for 24 years would have contributed $288,000.

How can I reach millionaire status sooner?

There are two main ways investors can accelerate their wealth-building. First, we can simply invest more per month. But, that’s not available to all Australians because of budgetary constraints.

The other way to grow our wealth faster is to choose investments that could produce stronger returns than the VAS ETF.

I think there are plenty of opportunities to do that, even just in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) space such as Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT).

I’m also excited about the potential of ASX growth shares to outperform the ASX share market.

The post How long does it take to become a millionaire with ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 simple ASX ETFs to start investing with $5,000
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• What are the ASX’s top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and VanEck Msci International Quality ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a choppy ride for investors in BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

Shares have dropped 13.5% over the past month, rattling confidence. But zoom out, and the picture looks very different. BHP shares are still up 12.5% year to date and an impressive 32% over the past 12 months.

To put it in perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed just 8% in the same period.

So, what’s going on — and is this dip a buying opportunity?

Squeezed margins

Recent weakness looks largely macro-driven.

Global tensions, particularly ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have pushed energy prices higher and fueled broader market uncertainty. Rising fuel costs can squeeze margins for miners, while investor jitters tend to hit cyclical stocks like BHP shares harder.

At the same time, commodity prices — especially iron ore — have been volatile. Since iron ore is BHP’s key earnings driver, even small price swings can have an outsized impact on sentiment.

Put simply, the sell-off says more about the environment than the business itself.

Future facing commodities

And that business still has serious strengths.

BHP remains one of the world’s lowest-cost producers, giving it a major advantage during downturns. It also has exposure to future-facing commodities like copper, which is expected to benefit from electrification and the global energy transition.

Add in a strong balance sheet and consistent cash generation, and BHP shares are well-positioned to weather volatility.

But there are risks.

BHP is highly cyclical. If global growth slows or China’s demand weakens, commodity prices could fall further — dragging earnings with them. There’s also ongoing exposure to geopolitical risks and cost pressures, particularly from energy and labour.

What experts think?

Blackwattle Investment Partners recently highlighted several ASX mining stocks in its monthly newsletter, noting it expects BHP shares to continue outperforming the market, adding:

BHP continues to extract value from its portfolio, announcing the sell down of Antamina’s silver-stream for US$4.3bn while maintaining their (BHP’s) exposure to the Copper, Zinc and Lead at the mine.

BHP has identified a further US$4b of potential value to be unlocked from within their portfolio which should continue to see BHP outperform the market.

BHP called out ex China, European demand picking up, US remains steady and India continues to grow, and we believe given tight supply and fundamental demand for commodities keeps BHP well placed to benefit moving forward.

What next for BHP shares?

According to TradingView data, sentiment is mixed but still leans positive. Eleven analysts rate BHP as a hold, seven as a buy or strong buy, and two have sell ratings.

The average 12-month price target sits at $54.31 — implying modest upside of around 6% from current levels.

But the bulls see more.

The most optimistic forecast tips BHP could climb to $70.37 — a potential gain of 37%.

The bottom line? BHP shares have pulled back, but the long-term story hasn’t changed. For investors willing to ride the commodity cycle, this dip could be worth a closer look.

The post BHP shares just dropped — is this your chance to buy the dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares 
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and sank into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.05% to 8,579.5 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to open flat

The Australian share market looks set to open flat on Tuesday despite a decent start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the week right where it ended the last one. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.35%, the S&P 500 is up 0.45%, and the Nasdaq is 0.55% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.8% to US$112.44 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$109.35 a barrel. Oil prices pushed higher after Donald Trump reiterated threats to bomb Iranian infrastructure.

Lovisa given hold rating

The Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) share price is close to fair value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the fashion jewellery retailer’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $24.00 (from $33.50). It said: “We highly rate LOV’s strong gross margin outlook, long term store opportunity upside, further prospects arising from changes in the competitive dynamics in US/UK/South Africa, together with strong execution and leadership. On the flipside, we see elevated risks within the core Australian market with a fast-growing competitor and factor in further declines in comparable store sales for the region.”

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a positive session on Tuesday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,684.1 an ounce. Traders were buying gold as Trump’s deadline for Iran neared.

Nufarm named as a buy

The team at Bell Potter has named Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares as a buy with a $3.60 price target. This implies potential upside of over 70% for investors. Commenting on the agricultural chemicals company, it said: “We are now beginning to enter the most material selling windows for NUF and the majority of markets look supportive of reasonable demand levels of crop protection products.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• How much superannuation do you need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than you’d think
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 suddenly turns lower as fresh war fears hit before Easter

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares finished at $37.01 before the Easter break, leaving the stock trading near its 52-week high.

That also puts it within reach of its all-time high of $42.47, which was set on 23 August 2021.

At first glance, buying more of a stock near record levels might seem counterintuitive.

But in the current market, I think Woolworths still stands out as one of the most reliable defensive positions on the ASX.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has kept pressure on oil prices, pushing fuel costs higher and increasing demand for pantry staples.

Periods like this often see investors move toward businesses with reliable demand and stable cash generation.

And Woolworths fits that profile well.

Everyday demand does not disappear

The main reason I would buy more Woolworths shares here is simple. People still need to eat no matter what is happening in the economy.

Whether inflation stays elevated, interest rates remain high, or consumer sentiment weakens further, grocery spending is usually one of the last areas households cut.

Families may pull back on discretionary purchases, delay travel, or spend less across retail, but food, toiletries, cleaning products, and other household staples remain essential.

That gives Woolworths a level of resilience many other ASX businesses simply do not have.

Scale is another major strength. With a large national store network and strong supply chain capability, Woolworths remains part of everyday consumer spending habits across Australia.

That supports margins and cash flow even when conditions become more difficult.

Recent execution is improving confidence

The other reason I am comfortable buying near these levels is that Woolworths’ recent performance has been encouraging.

At its February half-year result, the company delivered a stronger-than-expected 16% lift in underlying net profit and upgraded its earnings guidance. This was supported by stronger Australian food sales and a solid early second-half momentum.

Those numbers suggest the business is moving in the right direction after a softer 2025 period.

Management’s focus on pricing, value, customer retention, and cost discipline appears to be helping Woolworths defend market share. This is particularly relevant at a time when consumers are becoming more price-sensitive.

Foolish takeaway

Even at $37.01, I do not think the Woolworths share price fully captures the strength of the business in the current market.

Food demand remains non-discretionary, recent performance is improving, and the stock is still roughly 13% below its 2021 peak. That is why I still see Woolworths as a high-quality ASX blue-chip worth buying at current levels.

The post Woolworths’ $37 share price is near an all-time high, so why am I going to buy some as soon as possible? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX defensive shares to buy in uncertain markets
• Why Woolworths and these ASX dividend shares could be buys in April
• This ASX ETF is perfect for an uncertain world
• How to build a defensive ASX share portfolio in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are plenty of ASX shares for investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three popular shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The team at Morgans is positive on this gaming technology company and has named its shares as a buy.

The broker believes that its shares are attractively priced at current levels given its strong track record of growth. It said:

Aristocrat Leisure designs, develops and distributes gaming content, platforms and systems. It offers high quality recurring earnings from generating real money online gaming opportunities. An under geared balance sheet provides options for acquisitions, and ALL is a capital light business with strong cash conversion. The company is trading well below historical levels. The stock is attractively valued given its track record of proven earnings growth.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Over at Fairmont Equities, it has named BHP shares as a hold this week.

While it believes a commodities bull market is only just beginning and BHP is a safe bet, it isn’t quite recommending the Big Australian as a buy just yet. It commented:

The commodities bull market has only just started, in my view. As a global mining giant, BHP generally appeals to investors looking to increase exposure in the resources sector. BHP’s share price has retreated to a major support level since the start of the war in Iran. I’m confident the stock should bounce from these levels. BHP’s diversification makes it a safer bet for investors to ride the commodities bull market.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Fairmont Equities has also named Woodside shares as a hold this week.

While it was a buyer of Woodside shares before the US-Iran conflict, it isn’t adding to its holding at current levels following a strong share price rise. It said:

We were buying this major oil and gas producer prior to the conflict in Iran in response to looming supply issues. Investors have been underweight in the energy sector. As the world increasingly focuses on tightening energy supplies, we expect investors will start adding the most liquid and blue chip energy stocks to their portfolios. The largest on the ASX is Woodside Energy. The share price recently pushed beyond several major technical levels, which is a positive sign from a charting point of view.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in April
• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth
• Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building a comfortable retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of ASX ETFs, investors can create a portfolio that delivers income, growth, and stability, all without picking individual stocks.

If you’re looking for a simple, diversified approach, these three ASX ETFs could form a powerful retirement foundation.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

Starting with the this Vanguard ETF, which is built for income.

It focuses on high-dividend-paying Australian companies, making it a popular choice for retirees seeking steady cash flow. Its strengths lie in strong yield, franking credits, and exposure to some of the ASX’s biggest and most reliable dividend payers.

Top holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) — both known for consistent payouts.

The risks? Concentration. This ASX ETF is heavily weighted toward banks and miners, which can increase volatility if those sectors underperform. Dividends can also fluctuate depending on economic conditions.

VHY ETF charges a management fee of 0.25% per year. That means you’ll pay about $2.50 annually for every $1,000 invested — deducted automatically from the fund’s returns. It’s slightly higher than some broad market ASX ETFs, reflecting its focus on high-yield stocks.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Next is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, which brings global growth into the mix.

This fund gives investors exposure to hundreds of companies across developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan. That diversification is a major strength, reducing reliance on the Australian economy.

This ASX ETF also taps into some of the world’s biggest growth engines. Key holdings include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)

The downside? Currency risk and lower dividend yields compared to Australian shares. VGS is more about long-term capital growth than immediate income, which may not suit every retiree on its own.

VGS ETF has a management fee of 0.18% per year. It’s considered very cost-effective for global exposure, especially given the diversification across hundreds of international companies.

iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF)

Finally, this iShares ETF adds stability.

This ASX ETF invests in a diversified portfolio of Australian government and corporate bonds, helping to reduce overall portfolio volatility. It provides regular income and tends to hold up better during equity market downturns. This is making it a key defensive component.

Major holdings include Australian Government bonds and high-quality corporate debt issued by institutions like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

The trade-off is lower returns. Bonds typically won’t deliver the same growth as shares, and rising interest rates can impact bond prices.

This fund is the cheapest of the three, with a fee of just 0.10% per year. That’s only $1 per $1,000 invested, making it a low-cost way to add defensive bond exposure to a portfolio.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• What are the ASX’s top 3 index funds for passive investing?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors in 2026
• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple and Microsoft and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.